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West Point cadet quits, cites overt religion

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A cadet quitting West Point less than six months before graduation says he could no longer be part of a culture that promotes prayers and religious activities and disrespects nonreligious cadets.

Blake Page announced his decision to quit the U.S. Military Academy this week in a Huffington Post essay.

The 24-year-old cadet says a determination earlier this semester that he could not become an officer due to clinical depression played a role in his public protest. He says he sees religion playing an unconstitutional role in the military.

West Point officials on Wednesday disputed those assertions.

Page, who is from Stockbridge, Ga., said he was notified Tuesday of his honorable discharge. He faces no military commitment and will not have to reimburse the cost of his education.